Diamond Valley Area, Nevada, Parts of Elko, Eureka and White Pine Counties

Survey Area NV621• Nevada

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Diamond Valley Area, Nevada, Parts of Elko, Eureka and White Pine Counties. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Alhambra-Kobeh complex	32K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Playas	29K	Very poorly drained		Very limited	Very limited
Fera-Roca association	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dianev silt loam	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Playas-Dianev complex	20K	Very poorly drained		Very limited	Very limited
Hymas-Ansping association	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fusulina-Sheege association	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rubyhill-Barrier association	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hopeka-Cavehill association	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Umil loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kobeh gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Bartine-Overland association	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Labshaft-Rock outcrop complex	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kobeh sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Sheege-Croesus association	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ratto gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Umil association	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Alhambra fine sandy loam	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Fairydell gravelly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ridit-Alpha association	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.